Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 1.4: Promote children’s emotional well-being
Learning outcome: Understand the requirements for promoting emotional well-being in relation to current frameworks
Assessment criteria: Analyse the role of the Key Person in promoting emotional well-being
As stated in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):
3.27. Each child must be assigned a key person. Their role is to help ensure that every child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs (in accordance with paragraph 1.16), to help the child become familiar with the setting, offer a settled relationship for the child and build a relationship with their parents.
– EYFS
The key person should take responsibility for: promoting the child’s welfare and development; planning activities in partnership with parents that are based on the child’s stage of development, interests and observations; and making regular observations of the child to identify their next steps in learning.
The key person must have a good understanding of the EYFS, how young children learn and develop, and what is typical for a child of that age. They should also be familiar with the individual needs of the children within their designation.
The key person should provide parents with regular feedback on their child’s development and progress, and involve them in planning for their child’s next steps. They should also sign the child’s learning journal to show that they have read and discussed it with the parents.
In order to promote emotional well-being, the key person must make sure that the environment is welcoming and reassuring for the child. They should provide opportunities for the child to express their feelings, and help them to understand and cope with their emotions. The key person should also model positive behaviour, such as patience and empathy.
In summary, the key person plays a vital role in promoting emotional well-being in early years settings. They must build strong relationships with both the child and their parents, be attuned to the child’s individual needs, and create a safe and supportive environment in which the child can thrive.